The light from the burning logs deepened
the gold in her hair, as the warmth made more vivid the rose of her
cheek. She owned a warm and laughing heart, a natural goodness.
Strickland, who had watched and taught her since she was a slip of a
child, had for her a great fondness.
Jamie entered the hall. "Father's awake now, but Aunt Grizel and
Tibbie Ross will not tell him Alexander's come until they've given him
something to eat." He came to the fire and stood, his blue eyes
glinting light. "It's fine to see Alexander! The whole place feels
different!"
"You've got a fine love for Alexander," said Strickland. So long had
he lived with the Jardines of Glenfernie that they had grown like own
folk to him, and he to them. He looked very kindly at the young man,
handsome, big, flushed with feeling. He did not say, "Now you'll be
going, Jamie, and he'll be staying," but the thought was in mind, and
presently Alice gave it voice.
"He says that he has seen his earth, and that now he means to be a
long time at home."
Davie appeared. "Mr. Alexander has gone to the laird's room. Mrs.
Grizel wad have ye all come, too, sae be ye move saftly and sit dumb."
The three went. The laird's room was large and somewhat grimly bare.
When his wife died he would have taken out every luxury. But a great
fire burned on the hearth and gave a touch of redemption.
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